Watch the Clock _ If your party is at home, it is important to have a beginning and ending time. Don't leave the party open_ended as it could confuse guests and not allow them to plan for the rest of the day. For parties for kids under 5, figure for about 90 minutes, two hours tops.

Two to Three Weeks Before the Birthday Party _ What's a birthday party without guests? Two to three weeks before the party is the time to send out invitations. On the invitation, be sure to let your invitees know that they can RSVP by phone call or text. Keep the list of who has RSVP'd somewhere you won't lose it, like in the notes of your phone or posted on the fridge. By this time, the entertainment and venue should already be booked, so figure out what other activities and games you want the party to have. Maybe a craft or a pinata? If you aren't baking a cake yourself, be sure to order one, along with the rest of the birthday party food. Create a quick birthday party checklist so you can stay organized.